Black Cat Antiques

Things have undergone many changes since I was last in Black Cat Antiques. The warm atmosphere, wide walkways, tile floor and air conditioning are still there, but an antique settle (bench convertible to table) displays stoneware crocks and jugs. The tool corner has been enlarged, the postcard selection now includes cities and towns of New York as well as holiday cards. Miniatures, salesman’s samples and an incredibly detailed diorama of a Christmas shop are additions to another corner. An antique rolltop desk at checkout allows more space for wrapping customer purchases.

A large folk art rooster, redware pottery items, antique microscope, microscope lamp and a strange potato peeler continue the shop’s tradition to stock the unusual. Tools of every age and description continue to be a specialty along with the paintings and prints adorning the walls and the displays of Fenton, depression, cranberry, Vaseline and art glass. Unusual miniatures can be found in various cases such as the selection of sewing machines several of which were made in the British Sector in Germany shortly after WW-II.

This shop deserves more than a cursory walk through. A second and third circuit will reveal something a wonderful overlooked before. Stop in and visit Karen and Barry Shaw and browse their shop or visit them on the web at BlackCatAntiques.webs.com. You may also contact them with any questions by calling (607) 898-2048 or by e-mailing them at BlackCatAntiques@CentralNY.twcbc.com. Their hours are Friday and Saturday, 10:00 to 5:00, or by chance or appointment.